Unpublished MSc thesis, Victoria University, 2005/01, 22, type of study: ,rct,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (http://vuir.vu.edu.au/886/)

Keywords:

ankle [44]
balancing ligamentous tension [1]
BLT [7]
randomized controlled trial [947]
range of motion [116]
talocrural joint [3]

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an indirect technique (balancing ligamentous tension) on altered talocrural joint range of motion (ROM). The subjects were asymptomatic male and female volunteers, aged between nineteen and twenty nine years. Subjects with a 6 degree or more difference between ankle joint sagittal plane range of motion values were randomly allocated to either a treatment or control group. The “restricted“ ankle of the treatment group was treated with 'balancing ligamentous tension“ at the ankle complex and tibiofibula articulations. Pre-test, initial post-test and post-test at thirty minutes measurements were collected for passive dorisflexion range of motion. Whilst there was a significant increase in ROM with time, no significant changes were identified in dorisflexion range of motion between those subjects that received treatment intervention and those that did not. Balancing the ligamentous tension at the ankle complex and interosseous membrane of the lower limb in asymptomatic subjects does not show a significant increase in range of motion compared to subjects who do not receive any treatment. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.